Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Here are the flavors you’ll find at a New England Crab Shack, all heaped upon a buttered English muffin. Close your eyes, take a bite, and imagine sitting at a little café by the water.

The sun beats down, but you’re shaded by an oversized yellow umbrella striped with white. Condensation forms on your plastic cup of iced tea, dampening the napkin tucked beneath it. Darting between nearby tables are seagulls looking for discarded crusts or, if they’re lucky, a piece of fish. If you listen hard, you can hear the ocean over the din of chatting diners.

Top each English muffin half with half a Bibb lettuce leaf. Place spoonfuls of crab salad on top of each muffin half, garnishing with a bit of lemon zest or pepper slice. Serve with lemon wedge. Serves 1.